Congressman Joaquin Castro - Representing the 20th District of Texashttps://castro.house.gov/rss.xml
enCongressional Pre-K Caucus Announces New Co-Chair, Congressman Rodney Davis https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressional-pre-k-caucus-announces-new-co-chair-congressman-rodney
<p><strong>Washington, D.C.—</strong>Today, the Congressional Pre-K Caucus Co-Chairs <strong>Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20)</strong>; Congresswoman <strong>Katherine M. Clark (MA-05);</strong> and <strong>Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) </strong>announced that <strong>Congressman Rodney Davis (IL-13)</strong> will be the newest co-chair of the Congressional Pre-K Caucus. This bipartisan group of lawmakers seek to gain a deeper understanding of the benefits of early childhood education and promote policy recommendations and legislation in Congress to expand high-quality Pre-K access throughout the United States. Congressman Davis has served in the Congress since 2013, where he sits on the House Committee on Agriculture, the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and is a ranking member of the Committee on House Administration:</p>
<p>“High-quality Pre-K sets America’s youth up for academic success and America up for professional success. When we invest in the quality of our children’s education, we invest in stronger workplaces and boost America’s competitiveness around the globe,” <strong>said Congressman Castro.</strong> “I look forward to working with Congressman Davis to increase awareness of the many benefits early education yields, energize conversations on the Hill and throughout our communities on access to Pre-K, and identify policies and legislation that improve learning in those pivotal years for all of our children. Investing in our children today lays the groundwork for a more prosperous tomorrow, and we will continue the work on this important caucus to do just that.”</p>
<p>“All children deserve a shot at success, but right now, access to quality, affordable early education stands in their way,” <strong>said Congresswoman Clark</strong>. “The Pre-K Caucus is dedicated to finding and implementing solutions that get our kids off waitlists and into classrooms. That means investing more in federal programs like CCDBG and Head Start, and showing we value our early education professionals by increasing salaries and putting resources into their training. Our children are our future. The Pre-K Caucus knows that we must demonstrate our commitment to them not only in words, but also in policies that brighten their futures and open the doors of opportunity to all.”</p>
<p>“Especially in the early and formative years, providing a high-quality educational foundation for our nation’s children is among the most important things we can do to ensure their future success. Indeed, I believe it is our duty to pay it forward to America’s youth so that someday they can have the opportunity to do the same for their children,” <strong>said Congressman Cole</strong>. “Congressman Rodney Davis’s elevation to co-chair of the Congressional Pre-K Caucus is another indication of its bipartisan mission and significance. As co-chairs, I look forward to working with him to promote policies that effectively and efficiently broaden early education opportunities for America’s children.”</p>
<p>“I’ve visited many Pre-K programs throughout my district, and I can tell you the difference they make in children’s lives,” <strong>said Congressman Davis.</strong> “I’m excited to join this bipartisan group of members to co-chair this important caucus and support early education for children in communities throughout the U.S. Helping children learn at a young age is not only an investment in their future, but an investment in a stronger workforce and the future of our country.”</p>
<p class="align-center"><em>The Congressional Pre-K Caucus is a bipartisan caucus with 31 members who are dedicated to gaining a deeper understanding of the benefits of early childhood education and promoting policy recommendations to expand high-quality Pre-K access in the United States.</em></p>
<p class="align-center"># # #</p>Wed, 11 Sep 2019 10:24:20 -0400102https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressional-pre-k-caucus-announces-new-co-chair-congressman-rodneyCastro Statement on Military Construction Project Announcement from Defense and Impact on San Antoniohttps://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/castro-statement-military-construction-project-announcement-defense-and
<p><strong>SAN ANTONIO--Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20),</strong> Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Vice Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and a member of the House Intelligence and Education and Labor Committees, today released the following statement in response to the announcement that the Administration will be moving forward with its allocation of military construction projects to fund the President’s border wall. $18.5 million will be pulled from San Antonio directly, deferring a project that impacts our readiness in Military City USA and beyond:</p>
<p>“The Secretary of Defense’s announcement comes at a grave cost. Stealing funds from real national security priorities – in San Antonio and across the country – with the singular goal of fulfilling a xenophobic campaign promise is wrong. The continued construction of the border wall does nothing to strengthen our national security. In fact, diverting $18.5 million in funds that is used to safeguard our service men and women in San Antonio puts our entire country at risk.</p>
<p>“SCOTUS’ decision in late July has allowed this President to set a dangerous precedent that is altering – in real-time – the constitutional balance of power between the legislative and executive branches when it comes to appropriations power. In February, I introduced the resolution to reject the President’s bogus emergency declaration at our border. That legislation overwhelmingly passed the House and Senate but was vetoed by the President. I will keep fighting against this unrestrained money grab in the Congress and protect the real national security interests of Military City USA against this racist political bullying. </p>
<p>“The readiness of our military and the strength of our national security does not rest on an ineffective, medieval border wall. It rests on real, competent leadership, lacking from this President and his entire Administration.”</p>
<p><strong>Background: </strong>A total of 127 military projects will be affected by this announcement to fund 11 border wall locations. <strong>$18.5 million has been taken from San Antonio specifically that was allocated for a Camp Bullis Dining Facility.</strong> Half the money will come from funds previously dedicated to upgrading military bases abroad, and the other half in the United States. The military construction budget will fund 175 miles of border wall. The funding will support a combination of new barricades to existing border structures. The first projects are likely to begin on land exclusively owned by the military.</p>
<p align="center"><em># # #</em></p>Wed, 04 Sep 2019 17:43:41 -0400102https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/castro-statement-military-construction-project-announcement-defense-andCastro Statement on Trump’s Promise to Finish Border Wall ‘By Election Day’ and ‘Take the Land’https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/castro-statement-trump-s-promise-finish-border-wall-election-day-and
<p><strong>SAN ANTONIO--Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20),</strong> Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Vice Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and a member of the House Intelligence and Education and Labor Committees, today released the following statement in response to President Trump’s promise to finish the border fence ahead of the 2020 presidential election and fast-track billions of dollars’ worth of construction contracts, seize private land and disregard environmental standards, all the while promising to pardon subordinates of any illegal or potential wrongdoing to complete the work:</p>
<p>“Our President is panicked by his inability to fulfill a racist campaign promise to build his wall. In yet another example, he is trampling on the law and on the rights of Texas land owners, shedding any semblance of ethical standards by promising to pardon lawbreaking aides who help him. This Administration continues to normalize immoral and illegal behavior. We cannot become hardened to the President’s reckless rhetoric and his promise to “take the land,” which only works to further demonize human beings fleeing to our border, seeking refuge from violence and persecution.</p>
<p>“In February, I introduced the resolution to reject the President’s sham emergency declaration at our border. That legislation overwhelmingly passed the House and Senate, but was vetoed by the President. The racial resentment he stokes to rally his base and the impeachable actions he takes to win elections is couched by our Republican leaders and his aides. This ongoing complicity cannot be lost on any of us.”</p>
<p align="center"><em># # #</em></p>Wed, 28 Aug 2019 15:25:08 -0400102https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/castro-statement-trump-s-promise-finish-border-wall-election-day-andCastro, Cole, Spanberger Introduce Bill to Include Early Child Education Jobs in Work-Study Programshttps://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/castro-cole-spanberger-introduce-bill-include-early-child-education-jobs
<p><strong>SAN ANTONIO—</strong><strong>Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20),</strong> Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Vice Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and a member of the House Intelligence and Education and Labor Committees, <strong>Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4)</strong>, and <strong>Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger (VA-7)</strong>, Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Member of the House Agriculture Committee, introduced <a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/4196?q=%7B%22search%22%3A%5B%22national+cybersecurity+preparedness+consortium+act%22%5D%7D&amp;s=4&amp;r=1">H.R. 4196</a> to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to make jobs in early childhood education eligible as community service under the Federal Work-Study Program:</p>
<p>“With meaningful community service jobs and quality early childhood education, everybody is better off. During formative years, developmental and learning services are critical for students to succeed and realize their full potential. For those attending college and participating in the Federal Work-Study Program, teaching our nation’s kids is a valuable job and important way to give back. Such firsthand experience will inspire more diverse and talented people to pursue teaching, to the benefit of our children. Enabling our brightest minds, young and younger, to learn from one another will contribute to progress for all of us,” <strong>Congressman Castro said.</strong></p>
<p>“Studies have shown that the earliest years of education are the most critical for learning and setting children up for future success. As the Federal Work-Study Program is currently administered, vital early education jobs do not qualify for community service. This is a missed opportunity not only for our children but for our talented future teachers. I am proud that this legislation encourages college students with a passion for teaching the youngest generation and provides greater opportunity for valuable career growth in the field. But most importantly, this bill brightens the future for our kids,” <strong>Congressman Cole said.</strong></p>
<p>“Across Virginia, thousands of students take advantage of the Federal Work-Study program to earn extra income and help pay for college—and many of these hardworking students are preparing for careers in early childhood education. But currently, they’re unable to use work study dollars to serve in Head Start centers,” <strong>said Spanberger. </strong>“Our bipartisan bill would fix this discrepancy by allowing Head Start programs to qualify for Federal Work-Study dollars. By giving college students the opportunity to serve at Head Start centers during their undergraduate years, we are giving the next generation of educators valuable, hands-on experience in early childhood education. I’m proud to stand alongside Congressmen Castro and Cole in introducing this bill—and I’ll keep seeking new ways to strengthen Head Start, promote high-quality early childhood education, and support Virginia students pursuing education careers.”</p>
<p class="align-center"><em># # #</em></p>Thu, 22 Aug 2019 09:25:34 -0400102https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/castro-cole-spanberger-introduce-bill-include-early-child-education-jobsCastro, Grijalva Call for Department of Labor to Resume Visa Certification Process for Abused Workers and Trafficking Victimshttps://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/castro-grijalva-call-department-labor-resume-visa-certification-process
<p><strong>WASHINGTON—</strong><strong>Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20),</strong> Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Vice Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and a member of the House Intelligence and Education and Labor Committees, and <strong>Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva (AZ-3)</strong>, Chairman of the Natural Resources Committee, sent a letter calling for the Department of Labor to reverse a newly issued guidance that creates unnecessary hurdles for vulnerable immigrant workers:</p>
<p>“By needlessly complicating the process for individuals seeking critical visas, the Department of Labor is targeting already vulnerable members of our communities. With troublesome barriers in their way, immigrant workers seeking protection from abuse and human trafficking will be silenced and forced into the shadows. Not only are U and T visas a lifeline for victims, but also the process affords an integral tool for law enforcement working to fight crime,” <strong>Congressman Castro said.</strong> “Already marginalized, these immigrant workers will experience further fear and may be exposed to additional harm. The Department of Labor must act swiftly to overturn this dangerous and discriminatory guidance. Lives depend on it.”</p>
<p>“Erecting cumbersome barriers for workers is a slap in the face to the millions of workers who drive our economy each day. It’s clear no matter where the Trump Administration’s xenophobic agenda is implemented, it puts immigrants in danger. The Labor Department must reverse this decision and provide immigrant workers with the security they need to report crimes in the workplace,” <strong>Congressman Grijalva said</strong>.</p>
<p>Read the full letter <a href="/sites/castro.house.gov/files/Castro_Grijalva_DOL_WHD_8.19.19.pdf">here</a>.</p>
<p align="center"># # #</p>Tue, 20 Aug 2019 00:00:00 -0400102https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/castro-grijalva-call-department-labor-resume-visa-certification-processCastro, Ruiz, King, and Bilirakis Introduce Jennifer Kepner HOPE Act to Provide Low-Cost Healthcare to Veterans Exposed to Burn Pitshttps://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/castro-ruiz-king-and-bilirakis-introduce-jennifer-kepner-hope-act
<p><strong>WASHINGTON—</strong><strong>Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20)</strong>, Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Vice Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and a member of the House Intelligence and Education and Labor Committees, <strong>Congressman Raul Ruiz (CA-36)</strong>,<strong> Congressman Peter King (NY-2)</strong>, and <strong>Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL-12)</strong> today introduced <a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/4137/text?q=%7B%22search%22%3A%5B%22H.R.+4137%22%5D%7D">H.R. 4137</a>, the Jennifer Kepner Healthcare for Open-Air Burn-Pit Exposure (HOPE) Act, to help veterans exposed to burn pits receive access to quality, affordable medical care from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs:</p>
<p>“While defending our nation overseas, many service-members were exposed to toxic fumes from burn pits and now suffer health complications as a result. Upon returning home, these courageous men and women have experienced various illnesses, and deserve all of our support. Representing Military City, USA, I have worked to raise awareness of this devastating situation and fought to ensure that we take care of our veterans,” <strong>said Congressman Castro</strong>. “With the Jennifer Kepner HOPE Act, those enduring the harmful effects of burn pits will be able to get low-cost healthcare and necessary treatment from the VA. After they have served this country valiantly, it is imperative that Congress acts to ease their financial burden. We must answer the call, just as they did for the United States.”</p>
<p>“Jennifer Kepner was a hero who courageously battled pancreatic cancer while fighting for her fellow veterans suffering from pulmonary conditions and rare cancers linked to burn pit exposure,” <strong>Dr. Ruiz said.</strong> “I am humbled to introduce the Jennifer Kepner HOPE Act in her memory, legislation that will ease the financial burden on sick veterans who have served and sacrificed for our nation by reducing their health care costs from the VA. We must not turn our back on this growing public health crisis. Jennifer’s empathy and courage continue to inspire me in this fight for our veterans to get the health care and benefits they have earned and deserve.”</p>
<p>“Jennifer Kepner’s courageous story of advocacy reflects the countless stories of hardship that are endured by so many Veterans who were exposed to burn pit toxins during their service. This bipartisan bill is a first step toward ensuring these heroes have access to the care and treatment they deserve. We have a moral obligation to do right by these young men and women. It is the very least they deserve,” <strong>said Congressman Bilirakis.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Background:</strong></p>
<ul><li>The use of burn pits was a common waste disposal practice at military sites outside the United States, such as in Iraq and Afghanistan.
<ul><li>Smoke from these pits contained substances that may have short- and long-term health effects, especially for those who were exposed for long periods or those more prone to illness such as individuals with pre-existing asthma or other lung or heart conditions.</li>
<li>Waste products in burn pits include, but are not limited to: chemicals, paint, medical and human waste, metal/aluminum cans, munitions and other unexploded ordnance, petroleum and lubricant products, plastics, rubber, wood, and discarded food.</li>
</ul></li>
<li>Veterans who were closer to burn pit smoke or exposed for longer periods may be at greater risk. Health effects depend on a number of other factors, such as the kind of waste being burned and wind direction.
<ul><li>Toxins in burn pit smoke may affect the skin, eyes, respiratory and cardiovascular systems, gastrointestinal tract and internal organs.</li>
</ul></li>
<li>The VA established the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry in 2014, which is a database of information about Veterans and Servicemembers.
<ul><li>The registry helps researchers to study the health effects of burn pits and other airborne hazards.</li>
</ul></li>
</ul><p> </p>
<p align="center"># # #</p>Tue, 13 Aug 2019 17:25:54 -0400102https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/castro-ruiz-king-and-bilirakis-introduce-jennifer-kepner-hope-actCastro Spokesperson Statement on House GOP Letter Calling for Ethics Inquiry https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/castro-spokesperson-statement-house-gop-letter-calling-ethics-inquiry
<p><strong>WASHINGTON—</strong><strong>The Office of Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20),</strong> Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Vice Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and a member of the House Intelligence and Education and Labor Committees, today released the following statement after seven House Republicans called for an ethics inquiry into a tweet from the Congressman, which included publicly available donor information:</p>
<p>“The request to the House Ethics Committee is baseless and these Members of Congress know that. The information shared by Representative Castro is publicly available through the Federal Election Commission and the kind that’s routinely reported in media outlets of every political persuasion. Their letter is a disingenuous attempt by pro-dark money, far-right legislators to limit Americans’ ability to track money in politics. They would prefer large contributions to be kept secret so that there’s no meaningful transparency in political giving,” <strong>said spokeswoman Katherine Schneider</strong>. “We look forward to hearing from the Committee if the request is considered.” </p>
<p align="center"><em># # #</em></p>Fri, 09 Aug 2019 00:00:00 -0400102https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/castro-spokesperson-statement-house-gop-letter-calling-ethics-inquiry Castro Confronts Pompeo on Nuclear Arms Controlhttps://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/castro-confronts-pompeo-nuclear-arms-control
<p><strong>WASHINGTON—</strong><strong>Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20),</strong> Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Vice Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and a member of the House Intelligence and Education and Labor Committees, today sent a letter to Secretary Pompeo on the date of the United States’ formal withdrawal from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty to express concern about the future of U.S.-Russian arms control and to urge the expeditious extension of the New START Treaty.</p>
<p>“Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s announcement that the United States government has withdrawn from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty sets back U.S. national security and significantly weakens our credibility with friends and foes alike. It is also a clear example of this President’s efforts to undermine multilateralism and retreat from global leadership,”<strong> said Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20)</strong>. “Now, the need to extend the New START Treaty, the last remaining bilateral arms control agreement, is even greater. Failing to uphold New START would exacerbate this Administration’s mistakes, undo years of progress, and expose the United States and our allies to further danger. Retaining limits on Russia’s nuclear weapons is integral for countering Vladimir Putin’s aggression. By peddling an irresponsible nuclear policy, this White House has instead created the conditions for an expensive and unnecessary arms race that is reminiscent of the Cold War.”</p>
<p>You can read the entire letter <strong><a href="/sites/castro.house.gov/files/Rep.%20Castro%20Letter%20to%20Sec.%20Pompeo%208.2.19..pdf">here</a>. </strong></p>
<p align="center"><em># # #</em></p>Fri, 02 Aug 2019 00:00:00 -0400102https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/castro-confronts-pompeo-nuclear-arms-controlCastro Releases Podcast Episode on the State of Play for Trade https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/castro-releases-podcast-episode-state-play-trade
<p><strong>WASHINGTON—</strong><strong>Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20)</strong>, Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Vice Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and a member of the House Intelligence and Education and Labor Committees, today released a <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-diplomatic-cable/id1394616574?mt=2"><em>Diplomatic Cable</em></a> episode with <strong>Wendy Cutler</strong>, Vice President and Managing Director at the Asia Society Policy Institute’s Washington, D.C. office. As former Acting Deputy U.S. Trade Representative, Cutler worked on a range of U.S. Trade negotiations in the Asia-Pacific region, and was responsible for the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement. She was also the chief negotiator to the U.S. –Korea Free Trade Agreement. The episode centers on the argument that multilateral trade is not just an economic agreement but a geo-political necessity, critical to pushing back against China’s, and others, economic and military expansion.</p>
<p>“By taking a contrarian position with seemingly every country all at once, President Trump’s protectionist strategy has impacted America’s economic and global leadership, particularly on trade and tariffs,”<strong> said host Rep. Castro</strong>. “On this episode, I sit down with Wendy Cutler, an expert on the topic, to dissect the strategic missteps taken by this Administration on trade, the state of play on the issue, and her vision on the essential maneuvering needed to return the U.S. back to its vision of a global, interconnected economy.”</p>
<p><strong>Wendy Cutler said on the episode: </strong>“We need to nurture a competitive, innovative climate, including strengthening our education, rebuilding our infrastructure, and making sure that we're making the best products, have the best ideas and the best intellectual property going forward. What the Administration has learned is that these trade negotiations are tough. You don't call all of the shots in them and you need to compromise. That's what the USMCA is about.”</p>
<p>The episode is available on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-diplomatic-cable/id1394616574?mt=2">iTunes</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/2Pay2gPhCJ8ZXnQ6MI2dNu">Spotify</a>, and <a href="https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Ie4a26z4siinckw3kkilq7zedjm">Google Play</a>.</p>
<p>Future episodes of the Diplomatic Cable will include discussions with many other experts, practitioners, Members of Congress and American citizens. Episodes will focus on repercussions of U.S. foreign policy in the 116th Congress, the consequences of a rising China, escalating tensions in the Middle East, the crisis in American diplomacy and development, cyber diplomacy, and many other issues.</p>
<p>You can also follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/DiploCable">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/diplocable">Facebook</a>, and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/diplocable/">Instagram</a>.</p>
<p align="center"># # #</p>Tue, 30 Jul 2019 12:33:24 -0400102https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/castro-releases-podcast-episode-state-play-tradeCastro Introduces Resolution to Address the Exploitation of Child Labor in the Democratic Republic of Congohttps://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/castro-introduces-resolution-address-exploitation-child-labor-democratic
<p><strong>WASHINGTON—</strong>Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Vice Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and a member of the House Intelligence and Education and Labor Committees, today introduced a resolution to combat the rampant exploitation of children and child labor in cobalt mining in the Democratic Republic of Congo:</p>
<p>“Cobalt is a valuable and strategic mineral of importance to the United States and American businesses. But companies have a moral obligation to eliminate child labor in their supply chains. 40,000 children in the DRC are currently being exploited, abused and mistreated with little to no concern for their well-being. The United States needs to lead public-private efforts to identify, prevent, and take action to halt hazardous child abuse and the worst forms of child labor,” <strong>said Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20).</strong> “Governments, private industry, and civil society need to work together to respect the human rights of all peoples across the globe, avoid contributing to conflict, and advance sustainable development. Eliminating the abuse of children in the DRC is an important place to start.”</p>
<p><strong>Background:</strong></p>
<p>The Department of Labor has reported that the worst forms of child labor have been exploited in the extraction and processing of cobalt ore in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), in violation of international standards. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) estimated that 40,000 children work in mines in the former province of Katanga, DRC, including in the cobalt sector. The DRC continues to be the world’s leading source of mined cobalt, supplying more than 64 percent of global cobalt production in 2018. Cobalt is a strategic and critical mineral used in numerous diverse commercial, industrial, and military applications, for which demand is growing.</p>
<p>Unregulated extraction and trading in cobalt and other minerals may exacerbate conflict by indirectly or directly supporting armed groups, criminal networks, and perpetrators of serious human rights abuses. Key stakeholders, especially industry groups, trade associations, and private companies, have an individual responsibility to identify, prevent, and take action to halt hazardous child labor and the worst forms of child labor in their cobalt supply chains, and to conduct due diligence with the aim of reducing child labor and improving working conditions in artisanal mines and in the broader cobalt supply chain, thereby respecting human rights, avoiding contributions to conflict, and advancing sustainable development.</p>
<p> </p>
<p align="center"><em># # #</em></p>Fri, 26 Jul 2019 14:10:55 -0400102https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/castro-introduces-resolution-address-exploitation-child-labor-democratic